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City Commission increasing security measures

Those attending St. Augustine City Commission meetings will now have to clear a security check before being allowed to enter the Alcazar Room.

The Commission approved a new security plan that began at Monday’s meeting. Visitors were checked for weapons by St. Augustine Police officers with metal detectors — better known as wands.

It’s part of a new plan that is being gradually implemented. It also includes some physical changes in the room.

The commissioners will eventually sit at a new table that will be somewhat elevated. In front of the table will be a bar with a gate similar to what is found in a courtroom. That part has not yet been completed.

“Just some things to make everyone safer,” said Police Chief Loran Lueders in describing the changes.

He said the department was asked to help the Commission create a more secure environment for the meetings.

Lueders said there hasn’t been any serious incident or threat that prompted the changes. Instead, the new plan was formulated as preventative measures.

“It’s a (reflection of) how the world has changed,” Lueders said. “There’s no reason to wait for a tragedy to happen.”

Lueders said he encourages visitors to arrive a few minutes earlier than before to accommodate the wanding process. Like the county courthouse, there will be no weapons of any kind allowed in the meeting room.

Mayor Joe Boles started the Monday meeting by thanking those in attendance for their patience.

“Hopefully, it won’t be too much of a burden,” he said. “We appreciate you going through that bit of difficulty.”